Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Gingerbread Cake is the perfect dessert for those who love warm spices and tender fruit flavors. Combining the sweetness of pears with the rich, spiced goodness of gingerbread, this cake is moist, aromatic, and ideal for any gathering or cozy evening.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Rich flavors: The pears and ginger provide a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.
- Moist texture: Perfectly tender, thanks to the juicy pears and syrupy molasses.
- Simple preparation: No complicated steps, just delicious results.
- Festive and versatile: Works well for holidays or as an everyday dessert.
- Customizable toppings: Pair with cream, custard, or ice cream.

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What Is Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Gingerbread Cake?
Pear and Gingerbread Cake is a moist, spiced cake made with ripe pears, ginger, and molasses. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional gingerbread that incorporates fresh fruit for added sweetness and texture.
Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake Ingredients
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 200g (1⅔ cups) self-raising flour
- 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 100g (½ cup) black treacle or molasses
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 120ml (½ cup) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and molasses over low heat.
- Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly add the melted butter mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
- Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms.
Step 5: Add the Pears
- Gently fold in the pear slices to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of cream or ice cream.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
- Whipped cream: Light and airy to balance the cake’s richness.
- Vanilla ice cream: Adds a cool and creamy contrast.
- Custard: A classic pairing for a comforting dessert.
- Caramel drizzle: Enhances the sweetness of the pears.
- Dusting of icing sugar: Simple yet elegant.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
- Use ripe but firm pears: For the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Keep the batter light and airy by mixing gently.
- Check for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool before slicing: This allows the cake to set and makes cutting easier.
- Experiment with spices: Add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
- Add nuts: Walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add fresh ginger: For an extra kick of spice.
- Use other fruits: Apples or plums work beautifully as substitutes.
- Top with a glaze: Lemon or orange glaze complements the flavors perfectly.
How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake
- In the oven: Warm at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes.
- In the microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals until warm.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger in pear and gingerbread cake?
Yes, fresh ginger can be used for a stronger and more aromatic flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger in place of ground ginger.
How do I prevent my pear and gingerbread cake from becoming too dense?
Ensure not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh for a good rise.
What is the best way to store pear and gingerbread cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I make pear and gingerbread cake without molasses?
Yes, you can substitute molasses with honey, maple syrup, or golden syrup, though the flavor will be slightly different. Molasses add a deep, rich taste that enhances the gingerbread flavor.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Gingerbread Cake is a rich, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of warm spices and sweet pears makes this cake a must-try for cozy evenings or festive celebrations. Give it a go and enjoy a slice of homemade comfort!
Print
Jamie Oliver Pear and Gingerbread Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pear and Gingerbread Cake is the perfect dessert for those who love warm spices and tender fruit flavors. Combining the sweetness of pears with the rich, spiced goodness of gingerbread, this cake is moist, aromatic, and ideal for any gathering or cozy evening.
Ingredients
-
- 3 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
-
- 200g (1⅔ cups) self-raising flour
-
- 100g (½ cup) brown sugar
-
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
-
- 100g (½ cup) black treacle or molasses
-
- 2 large eggs
-
- 1 tsp ground ginger
-
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
-
- 1 tsp baking soda
-
- 120ml (½ cup) milk
-
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
-
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
- Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture
-
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, brown sugar, and molasses over low heat.
-
- Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
-
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
-
- Slowly add the melted butter mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
-
- Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until a smooth batter forms.
Step 5: Add the Pears
-
- Gently fold in the pear slices to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
-
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the top.
-
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
-
- Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
-
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of cream or ice cream.